Article

The purposes of this integrative review are to (1) summarize research from the prior 10 years about sex after stroke, including sexual function, sexual self-concept, and sexual relationships; (2) make recommendations for future research; and (3) provide clinical recommendations for practitioners caring for stroke survivors and their intimate partners. Seventeen international studies conducted in several disciplines from 1999 to 2009 confirm findings from earlier research that, after a stroke, some couples experience decreased sexual desire, decreased erections, vaginal dryness, and decreased frequency of sexual intercourse, as well as problems with masculine and feminine self-concept and with intimacy and sexual relationships with their partners. However, these studies also confirm that some couples do not experience these problems and some even experience a positive impact on sex and intimacy after stroke. All seventeen studies illustrate how study designs raise as many questions as they answer about the reasons for these sexual changes. Future research needs to focus on why some couples experience sex and intimacy gains, why some do not change, and why others experience losses. Future research also needs to test interventions by clinical practitioners to assist couples to overcome or compensate for changes in sex and intimacy after stroke. Potential interventions and resources for clinicians are included in this article.

Langue : ANGLAIS